Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Athens, GA (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Arlington is 145% more expensive than Athens.

$2,275/mo ↑ 96%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 49%
$140,160/yr ↑ 171%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 63%
$864,800 ↑ 218%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 69%
$2,414/mo ↑ 108%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 52%
235,463
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,113/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $13,356/year.

Median household income is $88,505/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Athens — common questions

Is Arlington or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Athens?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $1,113/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Athens?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $88,505/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Georgia?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Athens details →

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